"The completion of the I-225 line will offer economic growth and employment opportunities for the metro area," said RTD Board Chair Lee Kemp. "We heard compelling input from the public to support this decision. Providing connectivity between major employment and medical centers and DIA, along with offering new transit options for tens of thousands of riders, will benefit people throughout the entire region."

Completion of the I-225 Rail Line through Aurora to the East Rail Line at Smith and Peoria will connect major destinations like the Aurora City Center, the Anschutz/Fitzsimons Medical Campus and Denver International Airport. The line will also serve the future VA Hospital, a seven-state regional facility that will serve approximately 60,000 military veterans and their families.

Now that the plan has been approved, RTD will finalize contract negotiations with Kiewit and aim to issue a Notice to Proceed later this summer.